16.5.10

In a quiet cul-de-sac where kids ride bikes and mums push prams, this family home appears neat and nondescript. Once through the front door though, creative couple Kymm Henson and Robbie Wells' fantastic transformation is anything but ordinary.Welcome to this cleverly renovated semi with an arty, urban edge that belies it's suburban setting....

The Good Room. It's refreshing to see a new renovation that has avoided the typical open plan workover. We love that this house has a separate lounge room that keeps tv away from the dining and kitchen area. Kymm (a designer and stylist) and Robbie (an industrial designer) worked closely with architect Mike Hannah to recreate what had been a long neglected house. The sofa was custom made by icreative www.icreative.com.au/

The rear of the house features a sexy kitchen and dining area in a sleek minimal black and white pallette. The sunny seating area and a selection of art works add a slash of colour.

As the kitchen is concentrated along an entire wall, it left a bit of an awkward empty space opposite. As soon as Kymm and Robbie spotted the church pew they knew it was the perfect fit. It's an ideal perch and an effective contrast to their sharp furniture and fittings.

If you've ever spent an evening at The International on Darlinghurst Road, the striking French light fitting by Serge Mouille might look familiar.www.sergemouille.com/

Pure minimal serenity. The sun just pours in and the frangipani tree just below scents the master bedroom. Not really a "curtain person", Kymm admits the bright light wasn't so welcome in the early hours of the morning.

A muted work by Ngawaiata echoes the rooms tones andTolomeo lights are perfect in a pared back space.

3.5.10

Everytime we see a 1950's house left unscathed we breathe a sigh of relief (so often victim to unappreciative Sydney renovators). Georgina Wilson shows us how to do midcentury...

Living Room.

Seagrass matting is pure coast house. Floor cusions inject some lovely Missoni pattern and colour while a French 50's light from Angelucci in Melbourne http://www.angelucci.net.au/ is just elegant. The black and white work by Chris Bruce is a striking presence.

Dining Room

The Arne Jacobson chairs were salvaged from a film set and by all accounts were a lovely dark wood veneer. They were painted blue for filming purposes! But it works. Georgina's friend, artist Paul McNeil owns the West German ceramics which appear right at home in this house.

A Bubble light by George Nelson complements the circular theme of the Barney Campbell Tjakamarrawork.

We love it when a secondhand find just has to be had. A 1963 painting of Mt Warning by Tyndall is of particular resonance to Georgina, reminding her of home. The black floor lamp is a 'Coupe' floor lamp by Oluce. www.oluce.com/

Paul McNeils tiny work is just visible in this room. It is pared back perfection! Sally Campbells zigzag pattened bedspread adds just enough texture. See www.sallycampbell.com.au/ for more beautiful textiles and www.paulmcneil.com/ for awesome art.

Photographer and writer team Justine Kerrigan and Rachel Rodd are devoted design and architecture groupies. We love to seek out, photograph and write about fabulous real homes to share with fellow fans each month (or so).